Chitradurga - An Introduction

Chitradurga is an administrative district of Karnataka state in southern India. The city of Chitradurga is the district headquarters. Chitradurga gets its name from Chitrakaldurga, an umbrella-shaped lofty hill found there. Tradition dates Chitradurga District to the period of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The whole district lies in the valley of the Vedavati River, with the Tungabhadra River flowing in the northwest. During the British times it was named Chitaldrug.

Bold rock hills and picturesque valleys, huge towering boulders in unimaginable shapes that is Chitradurga. This place is not known as the "Place of stone fort" (Kallina Kote) for nothing. The landscape looks much like a mischievous giant's playground - with boulders thrown around, forming awesome silhouettes against he sky. And that could be true! According to a story in the Epic Mahabharatha, a man-eating gaint named Hidimbasura did line here on the Chitradurga hill - a source of terror to everyone around. And then Pandavas came here with their mother Kunti in the course of their exile and Bhima had a duel with Hidimba. Hidimba was slain by Bhima and peace returned to the area. These amazing boulders could well be part of the arsenal used during that duel! Seriously though, these boulders and the major part of the city rests on belong to the oldest rock formation in the country.

Bikaner - Shivabari Temple

Shivabari Temple

Built by Dungar Singhji in the late 19th century the temple is surrounded by an embattlement wall. It has four-faced black marble Shiva statue and a bronze Nandi facing the Shiva-Lingam. There are two large reservoirs of water known as bawaris.

This red sandstone temple attracts thousands of visitors during Shravan (Feb) especially on Mondays.

Bikaner - Bhandashah Jain Temple

Bhandashah Jain Temple

This temple is oldest existing structure in Bikaner. The beautiful temple was erected near Laxminath temple in 1514A.D. by two brothers Bhandeshwar and Sandheswar and named after them. This marvel piece of architecture is dedicated to 23rd teerthankar "PARSVANATH JI".The seth was very particular about every penny in his personal life but when it came to religious point he ordered hundreds of maunds of Ghee (Clarified Butter) and coconuts to be freely used in the foundation. This temple is carved in red sand stone and white marble - it’s famous for carvings, wall paintings, structural beauty and artisticly designed statues. The rich mirror work, decor and frescoes of Bhandashah: and their gold leaf paintings are noteworthy.

Bikaner - Lakshmi Nath Temple

Lakshmi Nath Temple

Lakshmi Nath Temple is one of the oldest temples of Bikaner. The foundation of Bikaner was laid here in the year 1488 A.D. by Rao Bikaji. It being a historical monument has special identity. This temple was erected during the reign of Rao Lunkaran and boasts of the superb archeological skills of artists and artisans . It was later develpoed by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji. Statues of deities- Vishnu and Laxmi - have all along received the unwavering devotion of countless people through the last four and half centuries.

Bikaner - Devi Kund Sagar

Devi Kund Sagar

Devi Kund sagar is situated 8 km in the east of city. The members of ruling family of Bikaner subsequent to Jet Singh, the great grandson of Rao Bikaji, have been cremated here.On the sides of reservoir of water lie the Royal cenotaphs of rulers of Bikaner dynasty from Rao Kalyan Singhji to last Maharaji Karni Singhji as well as those of their wives and other important members of families.There are cenotaphs (Chhatries) of 22 SATIES of royal family prior to Maharaja Gaj Sigh Ji (1745-1787). There is also one cenotaph of a SATA (male sati) of a ruler.The architecture of the cenotaphs is the prime attraction of this place. Maharaja Surat Singh's Chhatri is built entirely in white marble with spectacular Rajput paintings on its ceiling. Close by is a Dargah of Rustal Ali Shah Peer which is held in high esteem by muslim community and other people.

Bikaner - Prachina Museum

Prachina Museum

The princelly state of Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika Ji in the year 1488 A.D. Since the foundation of Bikaner, the rulers of Bikaner had a prominent and glorious role in the history of India.

Keeping with the rich and glorious past of Bikaner, daughter of present Maharaja Narendra Singh Ji recently (Oct, 2000) opened a museum "PRACHINA". It is an endeavor to recreate the past and highlight the pace of modernization activated with times and a representation of regional museum as there was a lacuna of courtly tradition and craft Museum in Bikaner. "PRACHINA" is an effort to highlight the aristocratic patronage which thrived and survived in Bikaner. This museum hopes to build and develop a cultural center to revive the dying craft of Bikaner and amalgamate it to present life.

Bikaner - Gajner Palace

Gajner Palace

A summer resort of Bikaner Maharajas -has often been described as 'an incomparable jewel in the Thar desert'. Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh ji of Bikaner, palace stands on the embankment of a lake .The palace was used by Maharaja for grand shoots and lavish entertainment. Royalty, both Indian as well as international, Viceroys and other dignitaries have been entertained at this grand palace. The architecture of Gajner palace is truly outstanding. Built in red sandstone with intricately carved pillars, jharokhas and screens , the craftsmanship here is amazing. Palace is surrounded by beautiful wooded area, now a preserved sanctuary which provides shelter to chinkaras , blackbucks, blue bull (neel gai) and flocks of imperial sand grouse. A part of palace has been transformed into hotel.